Manchester City's chief executive, Ferran Soriano, has declared the club will fight to prove its innocence after an independent commission found them guilty of the vast majority of the Premier League's 115 charges of breaching financial rules. Soriano addressed the European Football Clubs board on Monday, stating his disagreement with the ruling and confidence in eventually winning the battle.
The guilty verdict, which emerged on Friday but has not been publicly confirmed by the club or the Premier League, was a surprise to other EFC board members, including representatives from Manchester United and Everton. Soriano reportedly requested permission to make a statement at the start of the meeting.
Soriano indicated that while allegations of financial misconduct against City were first made eight years ago, a definitive conclusion to the saga could take considerably more time. This ongoing delay is causing frustration among other clubs, who lack details and a clear timeframe for resolution. One club source described the situation as a "void" that should be filled promptly.
Neither Soriano nor the Premier League have commented publicly on the matter since the EFC board meeting, nor has any indication been given regarding when the judgment will be published.